The assessment of environmental health status in the route of Arbaeen pilgrims at Shalamcheh border in southwestern Iran

The negligence of health regulations in the preparation of the foods, services, and sanitary and welfare facilities provided in religious borders could increase the risk of waterborne infectious intestinal diseases. Therefore, the continuous monitoring and control of health indicators is essential in mourning borders. This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on the Mawkebs of Shalamcheh border (n=267). In total, 186 samples were evaluated in terms of the microbial quality of water, and 66 samples were evaluated in terms of the microbial quality of food. The studied parameters in drinking water included the residual free chlorine, pH, turbidity, total coliform, and fecal coliform, and the studied parameters in foodstuffs included the total count and fecal coliform (Escherichia coli). According to the findings, these indicators were appropriate in terms of accommodation hygiene and preparation and distribution of crew hygiene by 99.9%. On the other hand, there were zero cases where the food sampling results were undesirable for the measurement of the total count and fecal coliform. The number of the contaminated water samples was 46 (24.7%) out of 186 water samples. Therefore, the proper implementation and continuous control of health instructions seem critical for these borders, and it is suggested that special regulations and indicators be enacted for the crew in charge, so that they would attend training courses, obtain medical examination cards, and practice personal hygiene.